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Halo Infinite's single player campaign is a fresh generation of the Master Chief's MJOLNIR armor, boosts the 20th anniversary of the series by revisiting its roots while also paving new roads to build upon. Switching to an open world map, while maintaining the traditional gameplay, both on foot and in its iconic vehicles, it offers a level of flexibility in combat that's not been offered in any previous Halo game. There's a lot to do in this expansive playground, and completing its never-dull-or-overwhelming list of activities earns more combat options and, ultimately, more fun. It's not as faithful to the excitement of the natural environment or the unforgettable narrative of the trilogy. But, nevertheless, it's a thrilling return to form for one of gaming's most loved series, and especially for Master Chief himself.  
 
  
The shift away from the standard linear series of combat arenas to let you freely explore the Zeta Halo's ring where Infinite takes place is the first time 343 Industries has broken from the design Bungie drew more than 20 years ago. This vast space seems to be an ideal fitting for what's always been an open-world shooter at heart, with an emphasis on the fact that unexpected incidents happen. In Infinite the same principle is the case on a greater scale.  
 
  
But you're not just tossed into the ring to let loose. Instead, the very first couple of the twenty-five hours I put into It on Heroic difficulty takes place inside, and that intro works very well as a chance to begin to get familiar with Halo's new gameplay hook, called the Grappleshot in addition to one of the most delightfully difficult bosses.  
  
 
  
  
 
  
And , yes, the Grappleshot may feel familiar to those who have played games like Just Cause or Titanfall, but it's just as at it's home in Halo. The Grappleshot is a fantastic weapon that is able to grab weapons from the distance, escape dangerous combat situations while your damaged shields beg you for a recharge, or even launch you directly into the enemy for a final melee strike and with all your power behind it. It's a natural extension of the idea of equipment into Halo 3 - and that's one of the reasons why Infinite's gameplay feels like an intersection between Halo 1 and Halo 3 it's positive.  
  
 
  
  
 
  
Additionally, the bosses make an integral part of Infinite's greatest encounters, but they aren't the ones are created by you using the sandbox in Zetahalo's. One of them, Lieutenant-Colonel Banished Tremonius is a test of AI which will require you to remain alert, not just extra ammo that you carry in your bag. The player is equipped with a jetpack along with a lightning-quick ground-pounding attack that is sure to thump the player if you're unprepared for it. This is your first warning that every boss fight keeps gamers on edge, and in total, Infinite contains Halo's best execution of them yet.  
  
 
  
  
 
  
This warm-up acts as prepping for the outdoor world when you go out there, that's when feeling of Halo 1 feeling kicks in. You'll be walking on your feet initially So learning how to hold onto trees and to the ground in front of you to move forward is the most enjoyable method to travel around the world. You'll have a variety of occasions to fall into troubles on Zeta Halo, from rescuing groups of captured UNSC Marines to taking down propaganda radio towers, to infiltrating massive Banished strongholds, and finally the return of UNSC forward Operating Bases (FOBs). There's not much that is unique in comparison to games like Far Cry or Just Cause it does work with Halo quite naturally way. Furthermore, the missions vary enough so that they're not repeated so often as to be monotonous or irritating.  
  
 
  
  
 
  
In the history of Grand Theft Auto 3, you're not able go to all places straight out of the gate. Instead, Zeta Halo is unlockable section by section, and key story missions opening up brand new areas to explore. I'd love to see if those new lands had a bit more variety. Really, no variety in the least. There's nothing like the snowy areas on Combat Evolved, no urban place like the one In Halo 2 (or in Infinite's own multiplayer maps like Streets and Bazaar for instance) or in fact... anything other than the mix of forest and stone monoliths. It's like 343 did not draw its creative base from Halo 1, it took it specifically by referencing "The Silent Cartographer" and not from any other source. This is quite disappointing, especially after a couple of hours.  
 
  
For those who, like many of me, it's been each Halo campaign several repeatedly, the point is that it's been six years since the last one was the most confusing Halo tale ever. That means it's difficult to become confident in the story of Infinite. This sixth Halo should've had the "Halo's Story So Far" cinematic that is played before you even start playing, as we've seen many other long-running shows do (most recently, it was Microsoft's own Psychonauts 2). Perhaps 343 was running out of time or was a possibility, but it's a failure that could've been prevented.  
  
 
  
  
 
  
But there are some good elements to the story too, like the relationship that exists between the The Master Chief and his new AI partner, whom is known as The Weapon. She is voiced by Jen Taylor, who also portrays Cortana as well as Spartan program author the Dr. Catherine Halsey. You don't have to be a fervent Halo fan to recognize Taylor's nuanced performance in three very similar, yet distinct roles She effortlessly differentiates the three characters with a brilliant re-play here on the idea that The Weapon isn't aware of the Chief's name (though that makes it even strange that basic Halo concepts aren't spelled out for players who are new to the game using her as a proxy). We witness their partnership be born, then strain and eventually strengthen. They sass each and argue and eventually they create an unsteady alliance. Steve Downes, meanwhile, excels in his 6th character as Master Chief whom psychologically battles through Infinite as an emotionally broken, lost individual who finds himself responsible for the depressing state of humanity , the aspects of which are made brutally clear throughout the course of the series. I truly hope that 343 does not ever recasts one of these wonderful voice actors.  
  
 
  
  
 
  
Halo has meant a lot for me over the last 20 years. From the time I first saw the Ring within Halo 1 to the surprise Arbiter sequence in Halo 2 to being heartbroken by Halo 5's abysmal storytelling I believe it's one the few games where every new mainline entry truly matters to me. After six decades, it's time to question whether Halo still have a place in the "Best Shooter" conversation? and would I care about it? I'm so relieved and ecstatic with the way Halo Infinite emphatically answers both concerns with a solid yes. Allowing us to explore the vast open world with nearly complete freedom to enter battle with a wide array of legendary weapons and vehicles is absolutely bringing Halo's single-player campaign back into the spotlight as one of top-quality out there (to include the impressive multiplayer suite) although it's fallen off a bit with the story and the lack of variety in the environment, Infinite picks it back up with a slick style.